By FRANKIE WEBB
The Denton family association with the region began in 1904 with building of the family homestead in what is now Denton Road.
Mr Denton's support of the National. Party led him to meet his future wife Pam Hills whose father was secretary at the time.
The couple married in 1949. While Mr Denton wore many hats in his 88 years, he told Horowhenua Chronicle the one he liked best was that of family man.
Mr Denton was first elected to the Horowhenua County Council in 1962, became chairman of the rural district council, was a member of the Horowhenua Lake Domain Board from 1962 to 1978 and was sworn in as a JP on January 25 1984.
He was president of the JP's Association from 1991 to 1993 and was awarded a retirement badge only last year. In 1990 Mr Denton became acting coroner, assisting when the need arose, and carried out judicial duties in Levin and Palmerston North from 1992.
In 2005 he received a Queen's Service Medal and said at the time he was humbled at the thought people in the district thought that much of him putting his name forward.
In 2010 Horowhenua District Council presented a civic award recognising 50 years contribution made to the community.
Mr Denton was a keen member of Jaycees, Lions and the Masonic Lodge and was a foundation member of the United Nations Society and a member of the Horowhenua Historical Society and Levin Bowling Club as well as a vicar's warden at St Mary's Anglican Church.
He is survived by his wife, their three children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Mr Denton will be farewelled at St Mary's Church on Saturday.